RIYADH — The Saudi-led coalition operating in Yemen said it intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle in the Mecca region Thursday, attributing the drone to the Houthi movement.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree denied the claim, saying their forces did not carry out any offensive operations in the region that day.
The reported interception occurred near Mecca, Islam's holiest city. The coalition provided no additional details on the drone's origin or trajectory.
The incident is one of many disputed claims in the Yemen conflict. The Houthi movement has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi cities, infrastructure, oil facilities and airports. Saudi Arabia describes these operations as acts of aggression that threaten regional stability.
The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to support the internationally recognized government against the Houthis. The conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis. International efforts to broker a political settlement have produced only sporadic progress and no lasting ceasefire.
